China's Marine Corps is getting bigger and stronger

A reorganization and expansion brings the program from 20,000 to 100,000 Marines.

by Jeffrey Lin and P.W. SingerMar 29, 20174 minutes

www.top81.cn

PLANMC

Chinese Marines, seen in this February 2014 photo at winter training in Inner Mongolia, are traditionally a lightly mechanized elite infantry force. China's recent expansion move, however, will likely coincide with a shift toward more heavy weaponry and missions in intensive conventional warfare.

The People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps is in the midst of a massive reorganization and build out that will greatly enhance China's ability to project power abroad.

Chinese Ministry of Defense

Swimming Tank

The ZTD-05, the light tank variant of the ZBD-05 armored vehicle, has a 105mm cannon in a wielded turret to provide fire support against enemy armor when storming beaches. The ZDB-05 and ZTD-05 can extend the hydroplane, as seen in the picture, from the lower front hull. These vehicles can also